Former vocalists for ‘Santana’ and ‘Journey’ to take stage at Sock Out Cancer concert

BINGHAMTON (WBNG) — Organizers of the annual Sock Out Cancer benefit concert gathered Thursday to announce who will be taking the stage this year.

The benefit will take place Friday, April 12 at the Broome County Forum Theatre.

At Security Mutual Life Insurance in downtown Binghamton, organizers said Kevin Chalfant, who performed on stage as a lead vocalist with “Journey,” and Alex Ligertwood, a former lead singer of “Santana,” will be backed by the eight-piece Philip Myers Band for an 80s-themed night.

Tickets are $35, $45 and $55 and will be available at 12 p.m. Thursday at the Arena Box Office and on Ticketmaster.com.

All proceeds from the event will go to families of UHS and Lourdes patients affected by cancer.

Event organizers said they wanted to put together an event that would benefit the whole community.

“Well my inspiration came from my wife, but you know cancer touches everybody’s life,” said Bruce Boyea, CEO of Security Mutual Life. “Doesn’t matter who you are, everyone has a friend or family member who has been touched, so it just all came together and felt really good with the concept of Sock Out Cancer.”

The money specifically helps financially-distressed families pay for basic expenses such as rent, mortgage payments and utilities while they focus on fighting cancer or supporting their loved ones afflicted with the disease.

Local hospital officials say there are a lot of hidden costs associated with cancer treatment.

“We have so many folks who are no longer able to drive themselves, or maybe didn’t even have reliable treatment to begin with so we provide gas cards, we pay taxis,” said Cory Jacobs, the executive director of the UHS Foundation.

The Sock Out Cancer socks can also be purchased at Wegmans and Mirabito gas stations.

Thursday’s announcement was streamed live on the WBNG 12 News Facebook page and can be viewed below.